I'd love to be able to agree, but in the US at least, it seems like it's all or nothing. There is little possibility of trading in half my salary for a 20-25 ho

I'd love to be able to agree, but in the US at least, it seems like it's all or nothing. There is little possibility of trading in half my salary for a 20-25 hours work week. Instead, it's 50+ hours or nothing. Employers want complete control over your every waking hour, it seems. Even the ones screaming that they can't find skilled workers won't even consider allowing a consulting type relationship. Buying a nice house or a nice car isn't a reason to feel proud, at least for me. It's a way to signal to the opposite sex that I'm a potential worthy mate. These things tend to matter once you're a little older ;)